Blog #4
Thinking through what to post on my blog this time, I had to do lots of reading and came across an article by Nancy Willard which gave me an idea to discuss “ Schools and Social Networks.
Before we discuss what Nancy said, lets look at “What Social Network Is? “
Dictionary.com define social network as “ a network of friends, colleagues, and other personal contacts.” It gives another definition as “an online community of people with a common interest who use a web site or other technology to communicate with each other and share information, resources etc.”
I underlined the above words to emphasize what I think social network is all about. The video below gives further explanation of Social Network and Why Social Network?
Considering the different definitions of social network or networking, we can say that social network could be a very good tool for teaching and learning. We live in a social world and we have to teach our students how to be effective collaborators in “this world” how to interact with people around them, how to be engaged, and informed 21st citizens.
The evolving world of internet community; blogs, podcast, tags, file swapping, offer students radically new ways to research, create and learn. Is our responsibility as educators to teach students the powerful ways networking can change the way they look at education, not just their social lives. A school could use blog software to bring together students who are writing or working on the same topic, research, or project work. A teacher can set up students with accounts at a website, which let them store, organize and share links; for example, an annotated resource list that can be used on a project. They can also see links other people have saved or browse to see what everyone has bookmarked on a subject.
It looks and sounds good what students can do with social network. On the other hand, we all agree to the fact that, social networking can be abused by students when there are no rules to regulate its use. Willard (2011), outline the following as what “schools can do “ to make good use of social networking ;
WHAT SCHOOLS CAN DO
A comprehensive approach to addressing student Internet access is necessary. That approach requires:
- A clear policy with a strong focus on educationally valuable use of the Internet -- no "Internet recess." The policy must be supported by curriculum and professional development, and a clear expectation for teachers that all student use of the Internet should be for high quality, well-planned instructional activities.
- Student education about online safety and responsible use.
- Effective technical monitoring.
- Appropriate consequences. Schools and districts should consider a full review of Internet use management policies and practices. A needs assessment and evaluation of Internet use would provide helpful insight. Safe school personnel must be involved in that process.
Do we agree with Nancy Willard that, when the above is done or put in place, Social Network could be a very good source or material for schools?
References
Willard, N. (2011) Education World: Schools and Online Social Networking. EducationWorld Community.
I fully believe that social networks have a place at school. It is how we connect as a global society. Students need to learn how to properly use and understand the power of social networks. Social networks are not only used socially anymore. Businesses, schools and media have a place in social networks as well. If we are to promote global citizenship, social networks need to be in the curriculum. Safety is always an issue, but if schools properly enforce the safety issue, it is a step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a blog on the use of social networks in school and I believe that should be! Our students are being exposed to these outside of the school and if we can engage them in a positive manner for using these sites, they may not abuse them for negative means. I think it would be great for students to be able to communicate with other students about assignments and the teacher can connect and the click of a button to answer questions and help students. Connecting students through these sites helps teachers to use the technology their students are already using and use it as a teaching tool! Students can use these tools to create their own products as well!
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